Artisan Electric Named Small Business of the Month

Thanks to Lafayette Savings Bank for Sponsoring the Small Business of the Month
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Turning on the light switch is about as close to understanding electricity as most people get.

These Electricians are Artisans

For Chris Voglund, co-owner of Artisan Electric LLC, a full-service electrical contractor, it’s a mission to pursue quality, safety, value and ethics by elevating electricians beyond construction to the work of artisans.

Founded in 2004 and providing residential, commercial, industrial, voice, data, audio and live sound services, Artisan is the May Greater Lafayette Commerce Small Business of the Month. It operates from a facility at 522 S. Earl Ave. (www.artisanelectric.net, 765/414-3913).

He owns the business with his wife, Michelle Voglund, and the two also own and operate Willow Stained Glass downtown.

“We both quit full time jobs and started our companies within a month of each other,” Chris says. “It was a leap of faith. But it’s been wonderful. I wouldn’t trade the opportunity, experiences and education I’ve gotten as a small business owner for anything.”

Supervision, Construction Background

Chris studied electrical engineering technology and industrial supervision for two years at Purdue. “Then I ran out of money,” he says. “I went into construction, framing houses and doing woodworking. But I decided I wanted something more profitable.”

He soon landed an entry-level job at a company with an apprenticeship program. Four years of on-the-job training and passing the Experior Block and Associates’ National Electrical Exam set him on a new path. He spent eight years working for others as an electrician, job foreman, project manager, estimator and trainer, then decided his own business was his next step.

“I come from a family of small business owners on both sides, so I had a lot of encouragement,” he says. “I decided I wanted to give it a go.” 

Loves Working on Historic Homes

One of his favorite jobs is electrical work on home restoration projects, rewiring and even restoring old light fixtures. “It’s a particular passion for Michelle and I,” he says. “We live in a 1920s era bungalow we’re just about done restoring. Working hand-in-hand with someone passionate about a property is really rewarding.”

He likes the hands-on aspect of his work and electricity. “It’s one of the few things a person can work with that you can’t actually see, but you see the end result. You put stuff in place to make it do what it’s supposed to do.”

Artisan’s success, Chris says, is because “We really believe in actively and honestly caring about all parts of the project, the work and the people involved. It’s honest work for honest pay.”

Known for Integrity, Value

Randy Lynch at Brenneco Inc., says that what stands out for him about Artisan Electric is its high integrity. “Chris knows the electrical code in and out, he keeps up on code changes, and he gives his customers the best value for the dollars spent. He’s an upstanding, great guy.”

The business employs four people, sometimes as many as six, depending on the job. It serves Tippecanoe and surrounding counties.

Music, Art, Downtown His Passions

While he’s given up playing in bands since the birth of their daughter, Rosemary, about to turn four, he says, “I have a bunch of buddies I sometimes play with—electric and acoustic rhythm guitar and hand drum.”

He also does promotions and bookings under Good Vibrations Live Sound, an Artisan Electric subsidiary. “We provide PA services for clubs and venues, all the way up to large stages.” That includes Mosey Down Main Street and LayFlats festivals.

Community is another passion for the Voglunds. They heavily support downtown and arts activities and are volunteers at the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, Habitat for Humanity and Greater Lafayette Commerce, among others.

Chris and Michelle also enjoy dogs and currently own three, a shepherd husky mix, Doberman mix and long-haired Chihuahua sheltie mutt.  

 
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Criteria for Small Business Winners

Businesses nominated for the Small Business of the Month award must be:

§  Privately owned

§  In business under current ownership at least three years

§  A Greater Lafayette Commerce member

§  Staffed by 50 or fewer employees

§  Involved in the community